Graduate Worker International Assistance Fund

The Graduate Worker International Assistance Fund (IAF) provides grants to assist with unexpected fees and out-of-pocket expenses required for students to extend or reinstate F-1 or J-1 visa status in cases where they have become out of status through no fault of their own. 

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they became out of status through no fault of their own (i.e., caused by circumstances beyond their control, rather than their own actions or choices)  – for example only, as a result of a natural disaster, documented medical emergency, government error or delay, oversight or error by the designated school officer (DSO) or responsible officer (RO), technical error in transferring data between the University and USCIS, or the reduction in the student’s course load authorized by the DSO. Covered expenses must be essential to restoring the student’s visa status while the student remains enrolled at Penn. Such expenses could include processing fees, required travel, or other costs. The University cannot provide legal or tax advice to international students and no decisions made in connection with this program are intended to constitute such advice.

This program is not intended to cover costs associated with new or initial visas, routine visa renewals, or costs related to post-graduation employment or education, including OPT fees, etc. This program cannot assist with costs associated with efforts to challenge a legal determination of visa status due to changes in federal regulations and legal guidelines.  

*This is the standard included in the CBA and any determination as to whether it has been satisfied is not intended to be and should not be construed as a legal interpretation under the Immigration and Nationality Act, related regulations or USCIS guidance. 

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria and requirements: 

• Be a graduate worker covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Pennsylvania and GETUP-UAW at the time of application. For more information, please see the collective bargaining agreement here. 
   
• Costs must be incurred while the student is enrolled and registered in a degree-granting graduate or professional degree program. Costs incurred during a previous academic year, prior to active enrollment, or while a student is on leave are not eligible.
   
• The student should intend to continue in the degree program once visa status is restored. 
   
• The student must apply within 30 days of notification of visa status change. 
   
• Recipients are required to provide documentation of the actual or estimated cost(s) and use of the funds. Recipients receiving funds for new or future expenses will be required to provide documentation that funds were used for approved costs.  
   
• Applicants must demonstrate that they became out of status through no fault of their own (i.e., caused by circumstances beyond their control, rather than their own actions or choices)  – for example only, as a result of a natural disaster, documented medical emergency, government error or delay, oversight or error by the designated school officer (DSO) or responsible officer (RO), technical error in transferring data between the University and USCIS, or the reduction in the student’s course load authorized by the DSO. 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee comprised of staff from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Student Intervention Services, and the Office of the Provost. All decisions by the committee are final. 

The application process involves a few steps:

• The student submits a complete application, including any supporting documentation
   
• Students will be asked to schedule a one-on-one meeting or call with a member of the International Assistance Fund (IAF) committee to review the application and discuss related issues. 
   
• The IAF team generally meets weekly to review complete applications. 
   
• The average time from submitting a complete application to notification of a decision is generally two (2) weeks although additional time may be required.

Funding priority and amounts will be given to eligible students based on the urgency of the situation, level of hardship, and the student’s overall situation. The many avenues of support that are available to a student, whether financial or otherwise, are considered in determining the outcome of an application. All applicants will receive individual guidance and support from the team in identifying any resources available to them, regardless of the funding decision.

• Grants are not guaranteed. Grants are disbursed as funding allows, with award amounts determined on the basis of documented eligible expenses, taking into consideration the various factors noted above. 
   
• Grants may be taxable. You are responsible for reporting the grant income and paying applicable taxes. Depending on your tax status, taxes may be withheld prior to the grant disbursement. 
   
• Grant funds must be used for the purposes specified in your award notification. 
   
• Students receiving funds for new or future expenses will be required to provide receipts within 30 days of fund disbursement to ensure the funds have been used consistent with the approved purpose. Failure to provide requested documentation will result in the grant amount being charged to your student account.  
   
• If you provide misleading or falsified information or supporting documentation during the application process, any grant funds will be rescinded and you will be referred to the Center for Community Standards and Accountability (CSA) for disciplinary action. This extends to the use of grant funds for purposes other than those specified.

A complete application includes the following:

• Online Application Form
• Supporting Documentation, as applicable (upload here):
   
  • Documentation of costs: detailed invoice, bill, or other documentation of the expense.
     
  • Students requesting reimbursement for prior purchases: Proof of payment for any purchases or payments you are reporting. 
    Documentation should include the payment date, purchaser name, and an itemized list of items purchased with cost. 

Supporting documentation should be submitted as soon as possible after you submit the online application form. Upload documents into this online document submission form and select "Financial Aid and Student Employment" and "Other Financial Aid Forms" in the drop-down menus on the second screen.

Applicants should provide as much detail as needed for reviewers to understand and evaluate their situation and needs. You may be asked to provide additional documentation or information needed to evaluate your request.

We are committed to ensuring the security of your information. We have put in place reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized access to, or use of, the information collected online. 

To discuss your situation and eligibility for the fund, please contact grad-grants@upenn.edu with the subject line "International Assistance Fund Question." 

Any student experiencing financial need is encouraged to contact a Financial Aid counselor through SFS or their school Financial Aid office. Staff can provide guidance and advice in navigating additional financial resources that may be available to you. Students experiencing significant stress or feelings impacting your personal well-being are also encouraged to contact Student Counseling and/or to take advantage of resources on the Student Counseling website.

Students experiencing an immediate emergency impacting their housing or health should contact Student Intervention Services right away.